Billy Jones

With moves still afoot to restore Marcos Alonso to Wearside on a more permanent basis, the Black Cats are without a senior, specialist left-sided full-back.

So yesterday, Gus Poyet fielded winger Duncan Whatmore at right-back - he did well, loves a run - and Billy Jones on the left.

He only played the first half. Much of that time he cut in, on to his favoured right boot.

But as early as the fifth minute he demonstrated impressive faith in his left peg to deliver a low cross goalwards.

And always, in possession, Jones appeared confident and assured. Unhurried.

With a centre-back – Gary Brown – at right-back for Darlington 1883, and ex-Sunderland youth player Adam Mitchell, who has played left and centre for the Quakers, ahead of him, Jones was never truly tested defensively.

But he looks useful, and to his great credit on 44 minutes, he rode a Brown tackle with commendable respect for his surroundings.

Jordi Gomez

Strike. Eight minutes to go – well, seven as it happens; referee Dave Webb only played 89...someone call Sepp Blatter, have this result annulled! – and Lee Cattermole tries his luck from distance.

Calm down, Lee.

The ‘shot’ is blocked, easily.

Jordi Gomez picks up the loose ball, edge of the box.

BANG! Left peg, high and beyond Mark Bell.

Player.

Twenty minutes earlier, the Spaniard had almost done it already. A one-two with [insert name of teammate here; I don’t know, it was a pre-season friendly...who cares?]. A step-over. Bang...wide.

These may become to be considered bonuses, however.

On this evidence – Gomez played the second half – he is not about the end-product, but facilitating its production. Classy, he has time on the ball.